Vacuum cleaner



UCL 4, 11955 M A. KENT ET AL VACUUM CLEANER 4 Sheets-Sheet l Filed July 8, 1950 INVENTORS. /7/ MUSS AEKEHT EL ./9 @www fallan YTZLER M. A. KENT ET Oct 4, 1955 VACUUM CLEANER Filed July 8, 1950 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 T JNVENTORS. lW/JSS A. KENT EL lREn W/*UTZLER ATTORNEY Oct. 4, 1955 M. A. KENT ETAL 2,719,596

VACUUM CLEANER Filed July 8, 1950 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 ATTORNEY Oct. 4, 1955 M. A. KENT ETAL 2,733,596

VACUUM CLEANER 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed July 8, 1950 LVVQUTORS M055 A.&ENT nErwin W YUTZLER nited States Patent VACUUNI CLEANER Moss A. Kent, White Plains, and Fred W.l Yutzler, Rome, N. Y., assignors to The Kent Company, Inc., Rome, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application .uly 8, 1950, Serial No. 172,758

12 Claims. (Cl. 18S-37) This invention relates to new and useful improvements in vacuum cleaners and has particular relation to a cornmercial type of cleaner especially adapted for use in institutions or large buildings, such as hospitals, hotels, office buildings, apartment buildings, etc.

A special object of the invention is to provide a vacuum cleaner for the purpose indicated and which cleaner is quiet in operation.

Another object is to provide a vacuum cleaner for the purpose stated and including means associated with the dust bag whereby the latter is to a large extent selfcleaning to the end that the machine may be used over relatively long periods without the necessity of removing and cleaning the dust bag.

A further object is to provide a machine of the character described and which is adapted for the taking up of dirt and dust and also adapted for the taking up of water and which includes a dust bag shield so positioned that air taken into the machine first enters an expansion chamber at the outer side of said shield and must then travel to the end of the shield before reaching the dust bag, said shield also protecting the dust bag from direct contact with water when the latter is being taken up by the machine.

An additional object is to provide a machine of the character indicated and including means for automatically shutting off the vacuum pressure on the intake of the machine when the machine is being used to take up water and the water level, within the machine, has reached a predetermined point.

A further object is to provide a machine of the character indicated wherein the dust or water receptacle is easily removed from the machine for emptying and easily replaced therein, means being associated with the machine whereby when the receptacle is replaced in the machine the receptacle is readily moved to establish an air-tight seal with other portions of the machine.

The machine of the invention includes a number of features of construction which together with other ob jects and advantages of the invention will be pointed out in the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein a satisfactory embodiment of the invention is shown. However, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the details disclosed but includes all such variations and modifications as fall within the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims.

ln the drawings:

Fig. l is a side elevational view showing the machine of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a top plan view thereof, with the upper hood and muiiler removed, the view being on a larger scale;

Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional view through the machine, the view being on the scale of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a plan view of the mutiier element with the top disc thereof omitted;

Fig. 5 is an edge view of the muffler unit;

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Fig. 6 is an enlarged central vertical sectional view through a unit including the dust bag;

Fig. 7 is a sectional view on the scale of Fig. 6 and showing the shut-oif oat and also showing other details of the mid portion of the machine;

Fig. 8 is a side elevational View showing one of the clis employed in mounting the dust or water receptacle; an

Fig. 9 is an edge view of the same.

Referring in detail to the drawings, the improved vacuum cleaner, generally designated 10, is a wheeled device adapted to be pushed, as along a corridor or the like, from one place of use to another place of use. To the desired end, the cleaner includes a platform or bottom plate 11 having an upstanding wall 12. Platform 11 is rounded at its forward end and is shown as terminating in a straight line 13 at its rear edge. The wall 12 extends upwardly at the forward and side edges of the platform but there is no vertical wall at the rear edge of the platform as best shown in Fig. 3. On its inner side, wall 12 carries centering bosses 14 for a purpose to be set forth.

The platform 11 is supported by a pair of relatively large diameter rubber tired wheels 15 and a small diameter castor wheel 16 which may be of rubber or of a composition so as to be noiseless as it rolls over the oor. The wheels 15 are mounted on stub shafts 17 supported by straps 18 extending upwardly from the base or platform adjacent the rear edge of the latter. Castor 16 is pivotally mounted for swivel movement as by a bracket 19 extending from the front portion of the wall 12. T he straps 1S and the bracket 19 may be integral portions of a cast aluminum platform structure or they may be separately formed and bolted, welded or otherwise secured to the platform.

A pair of uprights or arms 26 and 21 have their lower end portions rigidly secured to portions of the wall 12 intermediate the front and rear edges of the platform 11. These uprights are shown as secured by rivets 22, although it will be understood that they may be secured or anchored by bolts or by welding, etc. Supported by and located between the upper end portions of the arms or uprights 20 and 21 is a housing including an annular shell 23 open through its top and bottom ends. This shell is of suitable material, as sheet metal, and at its upper end is carried or curved inwardly providing an inturned annular ange 24 bent downwardly at its inner edge and forming a depending stiifening flange or annulus 25. At its lower end the shell 23 extends outwardly providing an annular shoulder 26 and at the outer edge of such shoulder a depending annular flange 27. Flange 24 provides a support for a dust bag and its frame assembly as well as for a dust bag shield assembly, all as will appear.

Toward their upper ends the uprights or arms 20 and 21 are offset inwardly or toward one another, as at 28, whereby their upper end portions are against the outer sides of the shell 23 and such end portions are rigidly and permanently secured to the shell. The securing may be accomplished through the use of rivets 29, as shown, although it will be understood that bolts and nuts could be employed for this purpose or the parts could be secured by soldering, spot welding, or the like. Within the depending annular flange 2'7 and against the shoulder 26 is a compressible gasket 3i) of rubber or the like, the purpose of which will be set forth.

Mounted within the shell 23 is a dust bag shield assembly generally designated 31 and a dust bag assembly generally designated 32. The dust bag shield assembly 31 comprises a slightly tapered cylindrical body 33 shown as of sheet metal although it will be understood that it may be made of any suitable material. About the upper edge of this assembly is an outwardly directed annular ange 34 and at its lower or small diameter end the body is provided with an inwardly directed annular flange 35. On the ange 34 is a compressible mounting and sealing gasket 36 of rubber or similar material for a purpose to be described.

lnwardly directed ange supports and has secured thereto a screen 37. This is an open mesh screen, asAo approximately one-half `inch mesh, and is of relatively heavy wire whereby the screen is quite stiff. An outwardly and downwardly extending skirt 3S is disposed about the lower end portion of the body 33. As shown, this skirt is secured to the body as by welding at 39 and the skirt has its lower end 40 spaced radially outwardly a considerable distance from the lower end of the body 33. The function of this skirt will be set forth.

The dust bag assembly 32 includes a bag 41 of woven material which when fully extended is substantially in the shape of an inverted truncated cone closed at its lower end as by a portion 42 but open through its larger diameter upper end. At its upper end the bag is, about its entire edge, secured to a transversely curved metal bag mounting ring 43. Mounted on the outer periphery of such metal bag ring 43 is a compressible mounting and sealing gasket 44 of the same or substantially the same diameter as that of the gasket 36 on the shield assembly.

There is also a dust bag frame assembly generally designated 45 and comprising a metal ring 46 having its outer peripheral portion 47 curved upwardly and outwardly. Such ring 46 is of a diameter to rest on the upper side of the curved portion of bag ring 43 and ring portion 47 is of a curvature complemental to that of bag ring 43 whereby to be selfcentering on the latter. In addition to the mounting ring 46 the dust bag frame assembly 45 includes a relatively open mesh screen 48 of heavy gauge wire although this screen may be a perforated plate. Screen 48 is secured to ring 46, against the underside thereof, by bolts 49.

Depending from and supported by the screen 48 within the bag 41 are a pair of screen or perforated sheet metal cylinders 5t) and 51 in spaced concentric relation at their upper ends. The inner cylinder 50 is perpendicularly arranged while the outer cylinder 51 is at an angle whereby its lower end is against the inner cylinder 50 just above the lower end of the latter. The cylinders may be Welded or otherwise connected at this place, as at 52, to hold them against relative movement for the prevention of noise as would result from their clattering against one another due to vibration when the machine is in use.

In the assembled machine (see Fig. 3) the dust bag shield assembly 31 is suspended within the shell 23. This is accomplished by dropping the assembly through the open upper end of the shell and disposing the gasket 36 of the assembly on the upper side of the inturned flange 24 of the shell. Next the dust bag assembly 32 is positioned with the dust bag within the shield assembly and the gasket 44 of the dust bag assembly on the gasket 36 of the shield assembly. Then the dust bag frame assembly 45 is placed in position with the portion or flange 47 of its ring 46 resting on the upper side of the transversely curved portion of the metal bag ring 43 and with the perforated cylinders S0 and 51 extending downwardly into the bag 41. lf desired, the three assemblies '31, 32 and 45 may be assembled into a major sub-assembly and the latter dropped into place on and in the shell 23. With the parts assembled in either manner they are all supported from the flange 24 and the lower portion of the bag 41 is on the screen 37 and within the lower portion of the inner cylinder 50.

Disposed on the upper side of the dust bag gasket 44 is the downwardly odset outer peripheral edge portion 53 of a metal motor base plate 54. This base plate includes a horizontally disposed main body portion 55, a downwardly directed outer flange-like portion 56 and the before mentioned horizontal outer peripheral edge portion 53. Co-extensive with and disposed on the upper side of the main body portion of metal motor base plate 54 is a sheet 57 of rubber.

On the upper side of the rubber sheet 57 are three suction units 59. Aligned with the entrances to the units 59 are holes or openings 60 through plate 54 and sheet 57. The units 59 are tight against the sheet and the latter is held against the plate 54. With this arrangement, the suction units 59 are sealed at the upper side of plate 54 but are effective to create suction through the holes or openings 60. While three of the units 59 are shown in the accompanying drawings and described herein, it will be understood that the number of such units may vary from one up depending upon the space available and the amount of air that it is desired to move.

The units 59 are shown as bound together by a metal band 61 which passes about them and has its ends connected by a nut and bolt structure 62 whereby on tightening of the nut on the bolt the strap is drawn tight about the units `holding them against one another. Hook bolts 63 pass through sleeve guides 64 on the metal band 61 and through the sheet 57 and plate 54 and at the under side of the latter through nuts 65. Such bolts hook over upper surface portions of the units 59 and thus the latter are held tight against the sheet 57 and against movement away from the latter. Other hooks 66 carried by the band or strap 61 also hook over the upper horizontal portions of the units 59 to support the band 61 in proper relation to the units.

This structure holds the suction units tight against the sheet 57. Additionally, a hold down stud 67 passes downwardly between the units 59 and is anchored to plate 54 and toward its upper end and under a nut 68 mounts a hold down washer 69 overlying adjacent portions of the units 59. Rubber or other cushioning material may be interposed between the washer and the suction units. Clearly, tightening of the nut 68 against the washer 69 provides an additional means for securing the units in place and tight against the sheet S7.

Over the units 59 and comprising a part of the above mentioned housing is a cover 70 of metal or any other desired material and including at its lower end an outwardly directed annular ange 71, carrying a depending ange 72 having its lower edge portion rolled or formed into a bead 73. The upper end portion of cover 76 is substantially closed by a wall 74 provided with a central opening 75 therethrough. The peripheral edge portion 53 and the downwardly directed outer flange-like portion 56 of the motor base plate 54 are located against the under side of cover ange 71 and the lower portion of thc side wall cover 70 respectively. Bolts 76 passing through the motor base plate portion 56 and the adjacent cover portion secure the motor base plate and the parts thereon to the cover to therewith form a cover assembly.

When the cover is in position on the machine, the motor base plate flange or peripheral edge portion 53 is against the upper side of the gasket 44 on the metal bag ring 43 and the depending flange 72 is about the gaskets whereby lateral movements of the parts is impossible. Thus, shell 23 and cover 70 together constitute a housing and the latter is interiorly partitioned into upper and lower compartments by a dividing means comprising the metal motor base plate 54 and rubber sheet 57. A lining 77 of sound-deadening or absorbing material as, for example, felt, is secured to the inner surface of the cover 7G and such lining is co-extensive with said inner surface and has an opening 78 therethrough registering with the opening 75 above mentioned as in the upper wall 74 of the cover.

With all parts in their proper assembled relation in the shell 23, the cover 70 and parts mounted thereon is secured in position by draw pull catches 81. These catches are all of the same construction and each includes a link-like portion 82 pivotally anchored toward one end as at 83 and including a hand or finger portion 84 amasser for its manipulation. Pivotally attached to portion 82 toward its handle end is a bail-like element 85 of heavy wire or small diameter rod and having a hook portion 86 to engage over the bead 73 of cover 70.

When the portion 82 is rocked on pivot 83 from the position of Fig. 3 the clamps are released from bead 73 and may be swung free of the latter. However, in the full line position of Fig. 3, element 85 is hooked over bead 73 and drawn down to locking position and pulling on bead 73 has drawn the outer peripheral portion 53 of motor base plate 54 tight against gasket 44. This secures the cover 70 in place and forces gasket 44 against gasket 36 compressing both against shell tlange 24 forming an air tight seal between the shell 23 and cover 70. Primarily, the catches or clamps 81 are for use when the machine is being wheeled about as during use of the machine the suction created by the units 59 tends to draw the cover tightly in place.

ln the use of the present machine, air drawn from the shell 23 by the suction units 59 is exhausted through the aligned holes or openings 75 and 78 above described. A muler structure is mounted on the upper wall of the cover 70 and the air being discharged passes through such muffler. The muffler structure mentioned includes a mutiler assembly generally designated 79 and shown alone in Figs. 4 and 5 and a mutler cover 80 formed up of metal or other desired material and preferably having a finished exterior whereby to add to the appearance of the machine.

Muler assembly 79 comprises a relatively sti top member or disc 87 and an intermediate member or annulus 88 having a central opening, designated 89, therethrough. Adhesively or otherwise secured to opposite sides of the annulus or separator 88 are sound absorbing elements 90. The elements 90 are all alike and in the muler assembly shown, four of such elements are secured against each side of the annulus 88. Thus, referring to Fig. 4, it is noted that each element is elongated and curved and that the elements have their inner ends tangential to the edge of the opening 89 through the annulus and that the elements curve outwardly and circumterentially.

The elements are secured in such relationship and are of such shape that there is a considerable space between the adjacent inner end portions of any two elements but that then the elements curve into a closer relationship providing a progressively restricted passageway 91 between each pair of elements. Such progressively restricted passageways 91 terminate at the outer end of one of the elements of any pair.

Elements 90 are arranged in the same relation at both sides of the divider annulus 88 but the elements at one side of said annulus are staggered with respect to those at the other side thereof. This is brought out by the dotted lines in Fig. 4 and it will be noted that the general arrangement is such that the passageways between a pair of elements at one side of the annulus is opposite or substantially in line with an element at the opposite side of the annulus.

With this structure it will be understood that air discharged through the aligned openings 75 and 78 in the cover 7i) and its lining 77 enters the mufer assembly and that part of the air immediately passes radially outwardly at the underside of the annulus 88 while another portion of the air passes through the opening 89 in such annulus. The air passing outwardly under the annulus moves through the four passageways 91, the edges of which are defined by the elements 90 at said side of the annulus, the bottoms of said passageways being defined by the upper wall portion 74 of the cover 70.

The upper side of the muler assembly '79 is completed by the disc 87 of the material of the annulus S8. Thus, in the assembled machine, the disc 87 is located at the inner side of the top wall of the muiiler cover 80 and cooperates with the dividing annulus 88 and the elements 90 in defining the four upper passageways 91 through which air must pass when such air has moved through the central opening 89 of the annulus S8.

The disc 87 extends entirely across the center hole 89 through the annulus so that air passing upwardly through the mutller does not strike the steel cover until such air completes its movements through radially extending passageways 91. Spacers 92 pass through openings 93 in the muler assembly and at their lower ends rest on the top wall 74 of cover 70 and at their upper ends are against the inner side of the top wall of the muflier cover Si). These spacers are of metal or of other relatively incompressible material.

Passing through each spacer is a bolt 94 the head of which is against the outer surface of the muiiier cover Si) and the inner end of which is threaded into nut 95 within the motor cover 7). The nuts and bolts men* tioned serve to secure the muffler assembly and its cover in place and the spacers 92 serve to prevent tightening of the bolts to any such extent as to compress the material of the elements 90. Here it is noted that such elements are formed of felt or other sound absorbing material.

The dividing annulus 88 and the disc 87 may be of the same material and are compressed to give them some body. To the contrary, the elements are not highly compressed and are quite open and porous whereby the felt has the required sound absorbing properties. The air which is moving up to the muler has expanded inside the motor cover 70 and the passageways 91 radiating outwardly from the center of the muler become progressively smaller in area.

Thus, the air expanded in the motor housing 70 enters the large ends of the passageways 91 and the muffler is very eiective for its intended purpose without loss of suction pressure on a connection or nipple 97 located in a side wall of shell 23 and the purpose of which is to be described. Because of the relationship of the elements 90 at the respective sides of the dividing annulus S8, air being discharged from the motor housing freely enters in between such elements.

The reduction in the pressure on the air within the motor cover will reduce the rate of movement of the air and such rate will be further reduced by the felt material of the muffler. Then as the air reaches the ends of the passageways between the elements 88 it is suddenly per mitted to expand practically without restriction. However, at this time, the air is still moving fairly rapidly and the downturned annular edge portion 96 of the cover 80 serves to deflect these air streams downwardly about the upper curved portions of the suction unit cover 70. At this time, the air is not moving rapidly and there is little tendency to create a whistle, rumble or other obnoxious noise.

When the machine is to be used, the dust bag shield assembly 31, the dust bag assembly 32 and the dust bag frame assembly 45 are suspended within the shell 23 from the ange 24 of the latter. At this time, the compressible ring gaskets 36 and 44 of the shield assembly and bag assembly, respectively, are on one another and the llange 24. Then the cover unit or assembly, mounting the units 59, is disposed over the upper end of the shell with the peripheral edge portion 65 of motor hase plate 54 on the upper side of dust bag ring gasket 44, the latter being on the dust bag shield assembly ring gasket 36.

Now, on manipulation of clamps S1 to locking positions the cover assembly is secured in place and plate peripheral portion 53 squeezes the gaskets 44 and 36 against one another and the shell flange 24. With this assembly, air may not pass from shell 23 to the interior of cover 76 except through the dust bag 41, the holes 60 in the plate body and sheet 57, and the suction units 59. Additionally, air may not enter the shell 23 except through the nipple 97.

Also, it will be understood that on release of the clamps or catches 8.1, the cover 70 together with the motor base plate 54 and parts thereon may be lifted off the shell 23. Then the user may lift out the dust bag frame assembly, comprising ring 46, screen or perforated plate 48 and cylinders 50 and 51. This exposes the dust bag and the user may reach into the same to shake it to free dust therefrom, which dust will fall into a receptacle as will be more fully set forth. At this time, the dust bag may be lifted out of the machine and cleaned. To place the machine in condition for use it is merely necessary to replace the dust bag, if it has been removed, and the dust bag frame assembly and then replace the cover assembly and secure it by the catches or clamps 81.

When the machine is in use, the lower open end of shell 23 is closed by a dust or water receptacle 98. Such receptacle is shown as of metal although it may be of other materials and the same is of aheight slightly less than the distance between the upper surface of the platform 11 and the under surface of the compressible gasket 30. Above, said gasket has been described as located within the depending flange 27 of the shell 23 and against the shoulder 26 of said shell. Thus, the receptacle 98 may be moved into place by disposing an edge portion on the free edge portion of platform 11 and then sliding the receptacle onto said platform. Then a pair of clamps 99 and 100 (similar to clamps 31) are actuated to lift the receptacle and bring its upper end or bead 101 against the gasket 30. The receptacle is centered with respect to the fiange 27 by engagement with the small bosses 14 on the inner surface of the flange 12 of the base 11.

As shown, the clamps 99 and 100 are exactly alike and a detailed description of one will, it is believed, suffice for both. Thus, referring specifically to Figs. 8 and 9, clamp 100 includes a bracket 102 bolted or otherwise secured to a wall of the shell 23 and which bracket includes a horizontal arm 103. On the outer end of arm 103 is pivoted a link-like part 104 having an extension or inger or end piece 105 integral or at least rigid therewith. From the part 104 in spaced relation to a pivot 106 mounting the same on the bracket 103 is a wire loop 107. This loop is pivoted on the part 104 and hangs downwardly therefrom and includes an inwardly directed portion 108.

When the member 104 is in the position of Figs. 8 and 9 the clamp is securing the receptacle 98 in its upper position of use. Now, if the member 104 is rocked forwardly on the pivot 106, the wire loop 107 is lowered and the receptacle 93 will be lowered onto the platform 11. When mounting the receptacle, the same having been located on the platform with the inturned portion 108 of the loop 107 under the bead 1 1 of the receptacle, it is but necessary to operate the hand piece or extension S to rock the member 104 upwardly on the pivot 106 to the position of Figs. S and 9. This raises the loops 107 and elevates the receptacle 90 to bring its bead against the compressible gasket 30.

With the cover 70 and the receptacle 98 both in place the machine is ready for use and it will be understood that suction within the machine will only serve to further attempt to raise the receptacle 98 and to additionally tighten its bead 101 against gasket 30 making a perfect seal between these parts. The receptacle 9S is shown as provided with a pair of handles 109 for convenient lifting or carrying of the receptacle when the same is not on the machine 10. Additionally, a U-shaped handle 110 has the end portions of its side arms suitably secured to the machine as by having them riveted at 111 to the upper portions of the upstanding members or arms and 2'1 previously referred to. Handle 110 is for use when moving the machine about.

With the described construction, it will be clear that the uprights or arms 20 and 21 support the shell 23 in fixed spaced relation to the platform 11 and that said shell directly or indirectly supports all other parts .of the machine including the suction units, the mufer assembly and its cover, the dust bag assembly 32, dust bag frame assembly 4S, and the dust bag shield assembly 31. Thus, on release of the clamps l99`and 100 the only part that is lowered is the receptacle 98 and it may then be slid off the platform or over the rear edge of the latter between the wheels 15 to be emptied. There is no weight of any of the other parts of the machine on the receptacle so the latter is easily removed from the machine. In like manner, the receptacle is easily replaced in the machine. No other parts of the machine are disturbed in placing the receptacle in the machine or in moving the receptacle from the machine.

Assuming` the machine to be assembled, as described, with the Vperipheral portion 53 of plate 54 tight against gasket 44 and with the receptacle 9S held tight against the compressible gasket 30,l when the suction units are started, a suction is created within the shell 23 which suction is applied to the connection or nipple 97 in one wall thereof and toward the upper end thereof. It will be understood that a relatively large size exible hose (not shown) will be connected with this coupling 97 and that on the opposite end of the hose will be a suitable cleaning tool (not shown). Usually the connections are such that any one of a variety of tools may be applied at the outer or what may be described as the operating end of the hose. I

As air is drawn in through the coupling 97, it will be dirt and dust laden and will be moving quite rapidly. As this dust laden air enters the shell 23 at the outer side of the body 33 of the dust bag shield assembly, the air is suddenly relatively unconned (that is, it is unconfined as compared to its condition when confined in the hose and inlet 97) and loses considerable of its momentum. The air within the shell 23 may expand in all the space between the shell wall and the body 33 of the dust bag shield assembly.

As the air loses its momentum by expansion and contact with adjacent wall portions, heavy particles of dirt drop downwardly into the receptacle 93. In order to leave the shell 23, the air must pass downwardly about the lower end of the body 33, then upwardly through the dust bag 41. This additional travel of the air in the relatively large space between body 33 and shell 23 results in further loss of momentum of the air and the dropping of the dust particles therefrom into receptacle 98.

While the machine` is operating and the suction is on the dust bag is doubled upon itself and its lower end portion is held in inverted position within the inner perforated cylinder 50. This -is as shown in Fig. 3. The cylinders and 51 of the above mentioned dust bag frame, being angularly related and spaced in their upper portions, air may pass between them and when the machine is in operation and the bag as in Fig. 3, the inner and outer bag portions are kept spaced. With this arrangement, the air passing about the lower end of the body 33 may move through either the outer or inner portion of the dust bag and in this process even ne particles of dust are screened from the air.

The air continues to move upwardly through the screen 48 and through the registering or aligned holes 60 in the plate 54 and sheet 57 and through the suction units 59 to be discharged through the aligned holes 73 und 75 into the muffler assembly 79. From there, the escape of air is as previously described. lt will be understood that dust particles collect on the bag 41 during this process and in other constructions it is very frequently necessary to remove the .dust bag for cleaning.

With the present construction, as soon as power to the suction units is cut off, there is a failure of suction on the bag and the latter drops down from the position of Fig. 3 to the position with the lower bag portion resting on the screen 37. According to the present invention, a weight 112 is secured to the lower end portion 42 0f the bag 41 and when the suction fails the bag drops down with a jolt or jerk and a great deal of dust accumulated on the outer surface of the bag is shaken therefrom and falls into receptacle 98, it being understood that at this time there is no rush of air to support even ne particles of dust. At times when the present machine is being used only to take up dust, the screen 37 may be omitted and then on failure of suction in the vacuum cleaner, the weight 112 and the lower end portion of the dust bag have a l neer fall whereby a greater effectiveness of the weight is obtained for snapping dust from the bag.

When the machine is to be used for taking up water as, for example, water used in scrubbing or mopping iloors or the like, it will be understood that first the receptacle 9?, is emptied of all dust as, for example, the dust indicated at 113 in Fig. 3. Then the receptacle is reapplied and the machine is ready for use in the taking up of water. However, when the machine is going to be used for the taking up of water, it is preferred that means be incorporated for automatically shutting off the machine when the receptacle 98 has been filled a predetermined amount.

With this in mind, in preparing the machine for use in taking up water, a float structure generally designated 114 is placed in the receptacle 98. As shown, this float comprises a body 115 in the form of a pan and stretched across the upper side of body 115 is a diaphragm 116 of rubber or other yielding waterproof material. This diaphragm may be secured in place in any desired manner but is shown as clamped to the vertical wall of the body by wire or the like 117. Additionally, the diaphragm is yieldingly held in a bowed condition as by inner member 118 of sponge rubber. Extending radially trom the sides of the float are centering lingers 119.

With the float in the receptacle and the latter clamped in sealed relation with the gasket 30, the machine is started and dirt laden water will be drawn in through a hose (not shown) through the entrance in nipple 97. This dirt laden water will strike the outer side of the body 33 and skirt 3S of the dust bag shield assembly and depending on the force of the water will move at least part way around said body. The water will gravitate to the receptacle 98 running down the inner surface of shell 23 and the outer surface of the body 33 and skirt 33. At this time, air being carried inwardly with the water is passed downwardly about the body 33 and up through the open end thereof and through the dust bag.

However, it is desired to avoid the water actually coming in contact with the dust bag because the latter is to be kept dry. There is no danger of the water running down the inner surface wall 23 contacting the bag but except for the skirt 38, water running down along the outer surface of body 33 to the lower end thereof might be carried about such lower end and up into the bag. The skirt 38 is to avoid any such movement of water. The lower end 40 of this skirt is radially outwardly of the lower end of the body 33 and provides a drip point spaced from the lower end of such body and what may be termed a dead air space since there will be no upward rush of air into the pocket 103 between skirt 3S and the lower end portion of the body 33. Thus, the water will drip from the lower edge di) of skirt 3S into the receptacle 98.

As the water builds up in the receptacle, float 114 raises up on the surface of the water until the diaphragm 116 of the float is seated against the inturned flange 35 at the lower end of the body 33 of the dust bag shield assembly. This stops any suction being applied to the intake 97 from the units 59 and so there will be no further drawing of air and dirty water through such intake. Ordinarily the operator will keep in mind the capacity of the receptacle 98, but with the described construction including the float 114, should the operator not be paying attention, he cannot ood the machine. The float will serve to seal off the suction and effectively prevent further operation of the machine to draw water through the intake 97. Then the operator is delinitely advised and he will proceed to cut off the current to the units 59 and may lower the receptacle, remove it from the machine and empty it.

The receptacle 9S is quite large being of a capacity to contain approximately ten gallons of liquid. Thus, when the receptacle is filled with liquid, it is too heavy to conveniently lift and carry. A draw-off valve 121 connects with the interior of the receptacle and is located at such height that a standard ten quart pail can be placed under the valve. Then when the valve is opened the operator may draw off from one-fourth to one-third of the contents of receptacle 98. This may be done when the float has acted to prevent further useful operation of the units S9 and lightens the weight of receptacle 98 and its contents.

The receptacle may then be removed from the machine and emptied or, after the water level in the receptacle has been lowered, the machine immediately again placed in operation. Continuing the process, the operator may only completely empty the receptacle 98 of water and sludge at the end of his work or the end of the day, between times repeatedly lowering the water level in the receptacle by opening the draw-oit valve 121.

It will be understood that when the machine is being used to take up dirty water, whenever current to the units 59 is cut off, as the lower portion of the dust bag drops from the position of Fig. 3 it can only fall onto the screen 37 and it cannot fall into the water within the receptacle. It is also to be borne in mind that the iloat employed need not be of the structure of oat 114 disclosed. Actually, the diaphragm 116 could be supported a considerable distance above the float, as on rods or legs, and then the operation of the machine would be automatically shut off on the water within the receptacle reaching a much lesser depth than it may reach with the float structure actually disclosed.

Having thus set forth the nature of our invention, what we claim is:

l. In a vacuum cleaner, a wheeled platform, spaced uprights rigid with said platform, a housing supported by the upper portion of said uprights in spaced relation to said platform, means dividing said housing into upper and lower compartments, suction creating means in the upper of said compartments, an entrance to the lower of said compartments, said dividing means having an opening for the passage of air from the lower to the upper compartment, a dust bag in the lower compartment and having an end sealed to said dividing means above said opening whereby air may pass from the lower to the upper compartment only through said dust bag, a receptacle having a clamping means engaging upper edge portion, upwardly movable clamping means carried by said housing engageable with said upper edge portion of said receptacle to draw it upwardly for securing said receptacle in position closing the lower end of said housing in air-tight fashion, and said receptacle of a height slightly less than the distance between said platform and the lower end of said housing whereby upon release by said clamping means it drops into laterally clear relation to the lower end of said housing.

2. ln a vacuum cleaner, a housing, means dividing said housing into upper and lower compartments, suction creating means in the upper of said compartments, a dust bag assembly in the lower of said compartments and comprising a gasket forming a seal with said dividing means, a dust bag having its upper end secured to said gasket, said dividing means having an opening therethrough for the passage of air from the lower to the upper compartment through said dust bag, an intake in a vertical wall of said lower compartment, said housing open through its lower end, a receptacle, means for securing said receptacle in airtight relation with the lower end of said housing for the reception of material moving through the lower end of said housing, said dust bag of greater length than the height of said lower compartment a weight on the lower end of said dust bag to be lifted with the lower end portion of the dust bag by suction when the vacuum cleaner is in use, and said weight adapted to fall and impart a jolt to the bag to snap dust therefrom when power to said machine is cut off and said weight falls with the lower end portion of the dust bag on failure of suction in the vacuum cleaner.

3. In a vacuum cleaner, a metal housing open at its lower end, means dividing said housing into upper and lower compartments, a suction creating means in the upper of said compartments, said upper compartment having a top wall and an air discharge opening substantially centrally thereof, a muffler engaged and supported upon said top wall receiving air discharge through said opening, said muler comprising an annulus of felt or the like having a central opening in substantial register with said discharge opening and a plurality of elongate curved absorbing elements positioned on said annulus extending from the central opening to the outer periphery of the annulus, said members delining a plurality of progressively restricted passageways extending from said central opening to its outer periphery through which air from said discharge opening may pass, a metal cover engaged and supported on and entirely covering the upper side of said mulcr and spaced by said muliler from contact with said top wall, and means passing through said muier and securing said cover to said top wall.

4. In a vacuum cleaner, a wheeled platform, a housing having a lower open end, means supporting said housing in vertically spaced relation with respect to said platform, means dividing said housing into upper and lower compartments, suction creating means in the upper of said compartments, said dividing means having an opening through a wall thereof for the passage of air from the lower to the upper compartment, a dust bag assembly in said lower compartment and comprising a gasket forming a seal with said dividing means, a dust bag having its upper end secured to said gasket, a body comprising a dust bag shield about and spaced from said dust bag and closed at its upper end by said dividing means but open through its lower end, a pair of perforated cylinders supported from said gasket and located at the inner side of the upper portion of said dust bag, said dust bag of a length to fold about the lower ends of said cylinders with the lower portion of the dust bag drawn up into the space within the innermost cylinder by vacuum, when the vacuum cleaner is in operation, and a screen across the lower end of said body whereby under no conditions may the dust bag extend below the lower end of said body.

5. In a vacuum cleaner, a wheeled platform, a housing having a lower open end, means supporting said housing in vertically spaced relation with respect to said platform, means dividing said housing into upper and lower compartments, suction creating means in the upper of said compartments, said dividing means having an opening through a wall thereof for the passage of air from the lower to the upper compartment, a dust bag assembly in said lower compartment and comprising a gasket forming a seal with said dividing means, a dust bag having its upper end secured to said gasket, a body comprising a dust bag shield about and spaced from said dust bag and closed at its upper end by said dividing means but open through its lower end, a dust bag frame supported from said gasket and located at the inner side of the upper portion of said dust bag, said dust bag of a length to fold about the lower ends of said frame with the lower portion of the dust bag drawn up into the space within the trame by vacuum, when the vacuum cleaner is in operation, and a screen across the lower end of said body whereby under no conditions may the dust bag extend below the lower end of said body.

6. In a vacuum cleaner, a housing having a lower open end, means dividing said housing into upper and lower compartments, suction creating means in the upper of said compartments, said dividing means having an opening through a wall thereof for the passage of air from the lower to the upper compartment, a dust bag assembly in said lower compartment and comprising a gasket forming a seal with said dividing means, a dust bag having its upper end secured to said gasket, a body comprising a dust bag shield about and spaced from said dust bag and closed at its upper end by said dividing means but open through its lower end, a dust bag frame supported from said gasket and located at the inner side of the upper portion of said dust bag, said dust bag of a length to fold about the lower ends of said frame with the lower portion of the dust bag drawn up into the space within the frame by vacuum, when the vacuum cleaner is in operation, a screen across the lower end of said body whereby under no conditions when said body is in place may the dust bag extend below the lower end of said body, and a weight on the lower end portion of the dust bag to be drawn up into said frame therewith and to fall upon said screen and jar dust from the bag on failure of vacuum within the said lower compartment.

7. In a vacuum cleaner, a housing, means dividing said housing into upper and lower compartments, suction creating means in the upper of said compartments, a dust bag in the lower of said compartments, said dividing means having an opening therethrough for the passage of air from the lower to the upper compartment through said dust bag, an intake in a vertical wall of said lower compartment, a shield about said dust bag and spaced from the wall of said housing and closed at its upper end by said dividing means and open through its lower end, said housing open through its lower end, means for securing a receptacle in air-tight relation with the lower end of said housing for the reception of material moving through the lower end of said housing, a downwardly and outward 1y Haring skirt about the lower portion of said shield, said skirt at its upper end in liquid tight relation with said shield, and said skirt having its lower end located radially outwardly of the lower end of the shield but in spaced relation to the housing.

S. In a vacuum cleaner, a housing open through its lower end, a dust bag in said housing, said housing having an entrance laterally of said dust bag, means for creating a suction through said dust bag, a shield about said dust bag and between the latter and said entrance and sealed at its upper end and open through its lower end for the downward movement of material from said entrance and about said shield, means for sealing a receptacle in closing relation with the lower open end of said housing, a downwardly and outwardly llaring skirt about the lower end portion of said shield, said skirt at its upper end in liquid tight relation with said shield above the lower end of the latter, and said skirt having its lower end located radially outwardly of tie lower end of said shield but in spaced relation to the housing and providing an annular drip point.

9. In a vacuum cleaner, a housing open through its` lower end, a dust bag in said housing, said housing having an entrance laterally' of said dust bag, means for creating a suction through said dust bag, a shield about said dust bag and between thc latter and said entrance and sealed at its upper end and open through its lower end for the downward movement of material from said entrance and about said shield, means for sealing a receptacle in closing relation with the lower open end of said housing, a downwardly and outwardly flaring skirt about the lower end portion of said shield, said skirt at its upper end in liquid tight relation with said shield above the lower end of the latter, and said skirt having its lower end located radially outwardly of the lower end of said shield but in spaced relation to the housing and providing an annular drip point, and a float in said receptacle for sealing the lower end of said shield on liquid in said receptacle reaching a predetermined level.

l0. In a vacuum cleaner, a wheeled platform, a hous ing having a lower open end, means supporting said housing in vertically spaced relation with respect to said platform, means dividing said housing into upper and lower compartments, suction creating means in the upper of said compartments, said dividing means having an opening through a wall thereof for the passage of air from the lower to the upper compartment, a dust bag assembly in said lower compartment and comprising a gasket forming a seal within said dividing means, a dust bag having its upper end secured to said gasket, a body comprising a dust bag shield about and spaced from said dust bag and closed at its upper end by said dividing means but open through its lower end, a pair of perforated cylinders supported from said gasket and located at the inner side of the upper portion of said dust bag, said dust bag of a length to fold about the lower ends of said cylinders with the lower portion of the dust bag drawn up into the space within the innermost cylinder by vacuum, when the vacuum cleaner is in operation, a screen across the lower end of said body whereby under no conditions may the dust bag extend below the lower end of said body, a downwardly and outwardly Haring skirt about the lower portion of said shield, said skirt at its upper end in liquid tight relation with said shield, and said skirt having its lower end located radially outwardly of the lower end of the shield but in spaced relation to the housing,

11. A vacuum cleaner mutler comprising an annulus of felt or the like, having a plurality of elongate curved elements positioned thereon, said elements defining a plurality of progressively restricted passageways extending between the inner and outer peripheries of said annulus.

12. In a vacuum cleaner, a metal housing having a top wall, a dust separator in said housing, suction creating means for drawing air through said dust separator, said top wall having a central discharge opening for air being moved by said suction creating means, a muiler engaged and supported upon said top wall receiving air from said discharge opening, said muffler comprising an annulus of felt or the like having a central opening in substantial register with said discharge opening and a plurality of elongate curved absorbing elements positioned on said annulus extending from the central opening to the outer periphery of the annulus, said members defining a plurality of progressively restricted passageways extending from its central opening to said outer periphery through which air from said discharge opening may pass, a metal cover engaged and supported on and entirely covering the upper side of said muffler, spaced by said muler from contact with said top wall, and having a depending outer annular flange terminating in spaced relation to the upper end of said housing and laterally opposed t0 and spaced outwardly from said outer periphery of said muffler, and means passing through said muffler and securing said cover to said top wall.

References Cited inthe file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,130,495 Hoover Sept. 20, 1938 2,152,756 Billmyre Apr. 4, 1939 2,161,027 Dollinger June 6, 1939 2,219,567 Spielman Oct. 29, 1940 2,243,866 Kamrath June 3, 1941 2,270,318 Leathers Jan. 30, 1942 2,296,359 Martinet Sept. 22, 1942 2,327,553 Ponselle Aug. 24, 1943 2,385,814 Kamrath Oct. 2, 1945 2,528,375 Lilly Oct. 31, 1950 FOREIGN PATENTS 13,371 Great Britain June 15, 1903 57,831 Netherlands Jan. 16, 1946 495,962 Great Britain Nov. 22, 1938 

